Pernellus Turner

Mr. Pernellus Turner, age 104, passed away peacefully on August 31,2025 at the Mississippi Veterans Home.

He was born on November 6, 1920, in Bryant, Texas, to the late Julia Gray and Ben Turner.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Mr.

Turner worked hard from a young age to help his father raise his younger siblings. He completed the 10th grade at a segregated school before leaving to work as a handyman to support his family, laying the foundation for a life defined by his service, resilience, and sacrifice.

In 1940, at just 19 years old, Mr. Turner was drafted into the United States Army. Though he had hoped to join the Navy as a cook, his early driving experience placed him in the Army's motor pool. He trained at Camp Wolters, Fort Sill, and Fort Bragg before deploying overseas.

Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he served with honor in the European Theater during World War Il, including two tours in France and participation in the historic D-Day invasion of
Normandy. Mr. Turner often recalled sleeping on the beach of Normandy under the roar of bomber planes, praying he would make it through the night. His duties included transporting, inspecting, and delivering vehicles to the front lines- work that
was essential to Allied victory. For his bravery and service, he earned numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Medal, U.S. Army
Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged as a
Sergeant in April, 1945.

After the war, Mr. Turner married Helen
Jenkins, and together they raised their children. He later married Mamie Turner, with whom he
shared many loving years until her passing. Mr. Turner was a faithful servant of God and served as a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church, where he was known for offering a listening ear and words of wisdom. He loved to laugh, tell jokes, and share stories, and he especially enjoyed
fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his first wife Helen Jenkins, and his beloved wife Mamie Turner. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Douglas Turner (Rosanna), Sharon Burrell, Beverly Washington (Wayne), and Timothy Turner; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of extended
family and friends.

Mr. Turner was the oldest resident of the Mississippi Veterans Home System, where he was deeply loved by staff and honored for his service. He was recognized by the Mississippi Legislature for his contributions during World War II, and Congressman Mike Ezell personally presented him with the medals he had earned but had not previously received. Mr. Turner leaves behind a legacy of courage, humility, faith, and love that will live on forever in the hearts of his family, church, and all who were blessed to know him. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Mississippi Veterans Home for their exceptional care and compassion.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at New Hope Baptist Church in Richton, MS with Rev. Billy R. Benn as the officiant. Interment will follow at Sunrise Cemetery, also in Richton.

Mr. Turner's viewing will take place Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at New Hope Baptist Church in Richton.